RESUMEN
This study evaluated the effect of different washing and centrifuge rates of the Cell Saver 5 on the quality of processed autologous blood. Autologous blood was washed with 1000 ml of sterile normal saline at centrifuge speed of 5650 revolutions per minute (rpm) (group I) or 4350 rpm (group II) with different washing pump speeds--500, 800 and 1000 ml/min. Hemoglobin, free hemoglobin, hematocrit, erythrocytes, leukocytes, platelets, and protein were measured before and after processing. The highest values of hemoglobin, hematocrit and erythrocytes were achieved using 800 and 1000 ml/min pump speeds in group I and 500 ml/min speed in group II. Red blood cells concentration was higher in group I. There were no significant changes of free hemoglobin removal within group I. In group II the lowest free hemoglobin was achieved when 1000 ml/min rate was used. Platelets and protein did not depend on wash pump speeds in both groups. Platelet recovery in group I was higher than in group II at all washing pump speeds. Leukocytes were not adequately removed at all pump speeds. The Cell Saver 5 produces optimum results when the high wash pump speeds (800 and 1000 ml/min) and standard centrifuge speed are used.